Whatcom County public works launches online tool for winter travel

Whatcom County Public Works is helping travelers navigate snow and road obstructions with a new online map.

The County Travel Planner now provides information on road projects and snow plow priorities for travel within the county. Clicking on roads will provide public works priorities for snow clearance or identify if another agency is in charge of particular roads. For example, the map shows Birch Bay Drive at level 4, the lowest priority for snow plowing due to its lower traffic volume while H Street Road has the highest priority at level 1 because it is a highly traveled road. Live WSDOT cameras are also included on the map.

The map will be an important asset in the coming winter because Covid-19 could impact the time it takes the county to respond to winter storms, according to the public works department.

The department will have 10 fewer employees plowing snow, with staff who operates winter machinery reduced from 28 to 18, according to the press release.

The department is working to hire new staff but will need to train them on operating snow removal equipment.

The number of employees could also be reduced if employees need to quarantine because Covid-19, the release states.

“We are asking people to plan ahead, be patient, and stay safe,” said county public works director Jon Hutchings. “Roadway snow and ice removal may not happen as quickly, or on as many roads simultaneously, until we are fully staffed.”

The County Travel Planner is located on the public works website at bit.ly/2UKspgs. Road closures and restrictions can also be found at bit.ly/2ULPjUx.